Book 30
1.22
By such treachery was credulity basely deceived, and at a banquet, which ought to be respected even on the Euxine Sea,Cf. xxii. 8, 33 f. before the eyes of the god of hospitalityCf. Cic., Pro Deiot. 6, 18. a stranger’s blood was shed, which bespattered the spendid linen cloths with foaming gore, was more than enough to sate the guests, who scattered in utmost horror. If the dead can feel grief,Cf. Livy xxi. 53, 5. the famous Fabricius Luscinus might groan at this arrogant act, when he recalled with what greatness of soul he rejected the promise of Demochares or (as some write)Gell. iii. 8; Cic., Off. iii. 22, 86. Nicias, the king’s attendant, made in a secret conference; for he said that he would kill king Pyrrhus, who at that time was reducing Italy to ashesCf. Sil. Ital. xv. 537 (of Italy to Hasdrubal), miseras quaerentem exurere belli reliquias. in cruel warfare, by mixing poison with his cups; but Fabricius warned the king in a letter to beware of his more intimate servants. Such a place of respect in those days of old-time justice was held by the conviviality even of an enemy’s table.
